Having visited the local Salvation Army on 112 Main Street in Bathurst, New Brunswick I realized that my image of the non-profit was a little different than reality.  I originally had the idea that The Salvation Army was a place for low income individuals to purchase second hand clothing.  This is a part of the entire system but it is also a way for individuals to buy quality second hand clothing for a very reasonable charge and by doing so donating to a great cause.  Since my first visit one week ago I bought five very nice pieces of clothing for my young son and a nice pair of shoes that matched his present size for only $1.  I also bought a business book from the book section of the location.

What surprised me the most was the fact that on the second floor in the multi-purpose room The Salvation Army staff held religious services.  I asked them for the schedule and they were happy to pass it along to me.

The Salvation Army Community Church

(Weekly Activities Held in French)

Tuesday at 9 a.m. : Ladies Meeting

Wednesday at 7 p.m. : Bible Study (open to anyone)

Sunday at 10 a.m. : Worship

(The information below comes directly from The Salvation Army Canada Official Website)

The Salvation Army

2007 marks the 125th year that The Salvation Army has been giving hope through service to the marginalized throughout Canada. As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social service in Canada today, The Salvation Army serves in over 400 communities across the country.

The Salvation Army was founded in Canada in 1882, just fifteen years after Confederation. From the beginning, the Army’s goal was simple – to provide spiritual and practical support to society’s most vulnerable. Among various service innovations, The Salvation Army was instrumental, in its early years, in developing the first prisoner parole system and the first Juvenile Detention facility in Canada. The Army was also an early provider of shelter and service to women in crisis and served alongside the Canadian Armed Forces during the Great War and World War II. The Salvation Army continues its critical work to this day, giving direct, compassionate, hands-on service to 1.5 million people each year and restoring hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in society.